Algerian Patience Solitaire

Algerian Patience uses two decks and eight same-suit foundations that build in two directions: some rise from Ace to King while others fall from King to Ace. The central decision is not simply whether a card can move, but which direction should receive it and whether that move opens the tableau.

Read both foundation directions

A heart 8 may be needed above a heart 7 on an upward foundation or below a heart 9 on a downward foundation. Using it in one direction can delay the other, especially because two decks contain duplicate ranks. At every stage, compare the next needed rank on both piles for a suit before committing a card.

Foundations are tools for opening the tableau

It is tempting to move every eligible card to a foundation. That can be wrong when the card is still a useful tableau receiver or when moving it does not reveal anything new. A foundation move is strongest when it exposes a blocked card, enables a tableau transfer, or makes a stock card usable.

Managing duplicate cards

Two decks mean two copies of each suit and rank. One copy may fit the upward route while the other will later be important for the downward route. Do not assume that playing one duplicate makes the other irrelevant. Instead, track the next card needed in both directions and preserve a route for each.

Before you use the stock

Check current tableau moves first. Look for a card that advances either foundation direction and for a move that opens a blocked tableau card. A stock card should be placed because it improves one of those plans, not simply because it currently has a legal destination.

Priorities through a game

Early on, open tableau access and stabilize the ranks near Ace and King. In the middle, keep the upward and downward piles balanced so one direction does not starve. Late in the game, work backward from the remaining ranks and avoid unnecessary tableau moves that disturb an already clear route.

Common errors

• Advancing only the Ace-to-King foundations.
• Playing both duplicate cards without comparing the opposite direction.
• Using a foundation move that removes a needed tableau receiver.
• Drawing from the stock before current tableau moves are evaluated.

Compared with Forty Thieves

Forty Thieves also uses two decks and eight foundations, but its foundations build upward only. Algerian Patience adds the tension of two directions, so the next required cards must be read as pairs rather than a single sequence.

Choose a direction with a tableau outcome

Consider a spade 9 that can go above an 8 on an upward foundation or below a 10 on a downward foundation. The correct choice is rarely just the pile with fewer cards. Check whether either move releases a tableau card, creates a receiver for a stock card, or preserves the next rank in the opposite direction. A foundation move that opens one blocked card often has more value than a move that merely makes one pile look closer to completion.

Duplicate cards make this comparison more subtle. You might use one heart 6 on an upward pile and keep the other available for the downward route, but only if the tableau can still receive the ranks around it. Before moving a duplicate, scan the two next required ranks for that suit. This prevents the common pattern of advancing one direction quickly and then discovering that the other direction has no accessible bridge.

How to approach a long game

Algerian Patience is best played as a sequence of small checks rather than one large plan. In the early game, open access to cards near Aces and Kings. In the middle, avoid allowing one direction to lag far behind. At the end, work backward from the remaining foundation ranks and disturb the tableau only when it advances a known target. Players who enjoy Forty Thieves but want an extra layer of foundation choice will find that extra decision on nearly every useful card.

FAQ

Which foundation should receive a duplicate card?

Prefer the destination that opens the tableau or prevents the opposite direction from being blocked. Compare both next ranks before moving.

Is this an advanced game?

Yes. Managing two decks and two foundation directions makes it a better fit after you are comfortable with standard foundation solitaire rules.